Smoke Free Policy at Disney Resorts

[westbrush]

Hello,

Has anyone on these boards hear the news? I just called to make a ressy for September for the Free Dining, and the cast member told me that effective June 1, 2007 that all Disney Resorts will be Smoke Free, that no one can smoke anywhere on the resort grounds only in special areas, not even on your own patio or balconey, and that if anyone is caught smoking in their room or patio or balconey you will be charged anywhere from $250.00 - $500.00 fine and put on your room bill. I am a non smoker so doesn't really bother me, smoke doesn't bother me like some folks maybe due to the fact my Husband is a light smoker about 10 cigs a day. This policy will kill him. Just thought I would share the news as I am sure would make some board members happy and some not so happy.

[BlondeAlligator]

I check-in on 6/9/07...does this mean that I don't need to bother calling to request a smoke-free room? Or should I still do that since some of the rooms have been smoked in for years? I wonder if they have done anything or will do anything to "clean" out the smoking rooms.

I think this is a great policy...it's one thing to smoke in your own home, but a hotel room is essentially a public place that can be rented by anyone & should not be smoked in, especially when resorts never guarantee that you will get a smoke-free room, even for medical reasons.

[LauraAnn630]

Ut-Oh!

I understand the health issue.

Just please give me the back side of a dumpster to have a few puffs!!

I wish they would pick on the drunks and give us a little break! lol

Im so addicted to these nasty smokey treats guess Ill have to start drinking! (jk)
Maybe I can get drunk enough to forget about the smokes? It seems drinking is acceptable.


I thought thats how it is now anyways?

[aksunshine]

I think this is GREAT! Me and my DD have an allergic reaction to ciggy smoke, and it makes me nauseated!

[ILMICKEY]

I thought this was the reason for the smoking/nonsmoking rooms. There would always be rooms for preferences.

[IHeartTink04]

Ut-Oh!

I understand the health issue.

Just please give me the back side of a dumpster to have a few puffs!!

I wish they would pick on the drunks and give us a little break! lol

Im so addicted to these nasty smokey treats guess Ill have to start drinking! (jk)
Maybe I can get drunk enough to forget about the smokes? It seems drinking is acceptable.


I wont stay on-site when this goes into effect. We dont always stay on-site now anyways.

Drinking doesn't harm others, I think that is why it is more accepted to do it around others.

[brandi~momof3]

I thought this was the reason for the smoking/nonsmoking rooms. There would always be rooms for preferences.

but people do smoke in non smoking rooms unfortunately, my dh has asthma and allergies and cigarette smoke (even the smell) sends him into an asthma attack :(

[notaclue]

So what about all us evil smokers who already have our paid up ressies for smoking rooms? Seems to me WDW should have informed our TA when she made the res. I know you all hate smokers, but hey, fair is fair. We were scheduled to check in at CBR on June 7.

[Kazzy1548]

This is great news. I always felt that a smoking section in a restaurant makes has much sens as a peeing section in a pool.:rolleyes1

Kazzy:hippie:

[lunabkat]

Drinking doesn't harm others, I think that is why it is more accepted to do it around others.

Hold on to your pixiedust Tink, you may get alot of flak for that statement:rolleyes1 Taking it in the spirit it was meant tho, I believe you are right in that someone drinking doesnot expose you to "second hand alcohol" altho, in many instances, you are exposed to the dreaded "second hand drunk". :rotfl:

[Disneytwinz]

I'm glad to hear it but just wish it was in effect sooner. Like in the next 2 days. ;)

[dturner]

So what about all us evil smokers who already have our paid up ressies for smoking rooms? Seems to me WDW should have informed our TA when she made the res. I know you all hate smokers, but hey, fair is fair. We were scheduled to check in at CBR on June 7.


I'm seriously thinking about canceling our vacation in Sept. as DH is a smoker.

[BlondeAlligator]

I'm seriously thinking about canceling our vacation in Sept. as DH is a smoker.

I sure hope you don't have kids who would be sad because they can't go to Disney now that Dad can't smoke in the room....

It seems a silly reason to cancel an entire vacation...perhaps it's time to think about quitting when the habit starts running your life like that.

[dturner]

I sure hope you don't have kids who would be sad because they can't go to Disney now that Dad can't smoke in the room....

It seems a silly reason to cancel an entire vacation...perhaps it's time to think about quitting when the habit starts running your life like that.

Well, DH is a very consciencious smoker, he would NEVER smoke in the room even if it was a smoking room - at home he goes out on the patio, in the car, he rolls down the window - in a hotel, he goes outside on the patio or balcony but now he can't do that.

I guess I could now ask for a room close to the desinated smoking area.

DH will never ever stop smoking - it just won't happen.

I'm more disappointed than DS(11) will be - I'm the Disney freak in the family.

[ncsastudent]

I am very happy about this. I work and perform in a night club (I AM NOT A STRIPPER, I'm a Juggler... just wanted to keep my reputation there lol) in North Carolina, and am VERY pleased that where I work is banning smoking effective May 1st. It is becoming a slow trend for bars and clubs to do this.

I am going to to Disney World this fall, as always, I hate it when I get a room and it smells like someone smoked in there. Even if it is supposed to be a non smoking room. Just the smell makes my eyes water and makes me lose my appetite.

I do not understand why people start smoking as of late, because honestly it is not popular or considered "cool" by anyone anymore. At least not amongst the vast majority of teenagers in North Carolina (the tobacco state) and I can say that from very first hand experience... as none of my friends think it is cool. Infact the last two guys I have dated. 19 and 18 respectively, who actually did smoke... they both lied about it early in the relationship, because they are embarrassed that they do it and don't want anyone to know.

Why would someone start a habit (and you have to consciously start it, you don't get addicted with just one smoke) that is unpleasant at first, that other people think is uncool and unpopular, and even they think is uncool and unpopular. It baffles me.

[wdwthreethiels]

happy dance :yay:

[Jrabbit910]

Hello,

Has anyone on these boards hear the news? I just called to make a ressy for September for the Free Dining, and the cast member told me that effective June 1, 2007 that all Disney Resorts will be Smoke Free, that no one can smoke anywhere on the resort grounds only in special areas, not even on your own patio or balconey, and that if anyone is caught smoking in their room or patio or balconey you will be charged anywhere from $250.00 - $500.00 fine and put on your room bill. I am a non smoker so doesn't really bother me, smoke doesn't bother me like some folks maybe due to the fact my Husband is a light smoker about 10 cigs a day. This policy will kill him. Just thought I would share the news as I am sure would make some board members happy and some not so happy.

i am not a smoker but family members are and i couldnt be happier with this new rule... they arent banning it all together and have special areas for it so i think its great. I have been around smokers all my life and the smell of it is disgusting; its a horrible and dirty habit so not being around it when on vacation is great!

[sweet angel]

I sure hope you don't have kids who would be sad because they can't go to Disney now that Dad can't smoke in the room....

It seems a silly reason to cancel an entire vacation...perhaps it's time to think about quitting when the habit starts running your life like that.


It seems silly to you because you don't smoke. I quit almost a year ago and let me tell you, I find your comment pretty judgmental and harsh. It's obvious you have no idea how difficult it is to quit smoking.

As far as my opinion, I also do not like having a room that has been smoked in. I didn't like it as a smoker either. Smoking, if done politely, does not bother me. I do find it much more pleasant to sit at a bar/club and have a couple drinks without having to de-stink myself when I get home though -- and again, I felt that way when I was a smoker.

Perhaps a solution might be to build a separate building at each resort to be designated as a smoking building.

[Esmerelda]

OH my gosh...this is the best news I've heard regarding Disney since I became a DVC owner in 2004!!!

Three cheers for Disney....hip hip hooray....

Esmerelda:banana:

[Metro West]

It seems silly to you because you don't smoke. I quit almost a year ago and let me tell you, I find your comment pretty judgmental and harsh. It's obvious you have no idea how difficult it is to quit smoking.I agree completely. It's funny how people act when some new restriction doesn't affect them. What if Disney decided to have "designated cell phone areas" or something like along those lines that WOULD affect the majority? Hmmmmmmmm...that might get more people thinking about this from both sides. :confused3

[Esmerelda]

Wow...designated cell phone area....that too would be cool! I think many people are very rude with their cell phones. I would also have to happy dance to that one, sorry. lol...

FYI.. I once smoked in my early 20's but I got over it after 2 years so I know all about it. I also watched my father die in front of me 2 years ago from lung cancer so I know how ugly it can truly be.


Esmerelda

[ncsastudent]

We watched my Aunt die in front of us from lung cancer. It was sad, she had the cancer, and was trying to fighting, and had an oxygen machine. She would stretch the machine's chord out on our deck to smoke and hide from my parents while she did it... cigarettes are awful, and the people who market them and manufacture then are awful as well. Smoking is not an issue about rights and free will. Smokers cannot use this as an argument. People who smoke are victims of cigarette corporations, and it, like an abuse towards another human being, needs to be stopped. People need to be put into situations where they will never ever start smoking to begin with. Isolating smoking habits from nonsmokers helps to facilitate this and prevent future smokers as well as keep the world healthier for those who do smoke. It is a necessity in more ways than one.

[girli565]

Drinking doesn't harm others, I think that is why it is more accepted to do it around others.

That may be true in certain cases but not all cases. I was in a car accident with a drunk driver and in that case, drinking did harm me and I wasn't even the one drinking.

I think that poster who said, "go after the drinkers," meant to punish those that get out of control at WDW when they overindulge a bit too much.

[BlondeAlligator]

It seems silly to you because you don't smoke. I quit almost a year ago and let me tell you, I find your comment pretty judgmental and harsh. It's obvious you have no idea how difficult it is to quit smoking.

As far as my opinion, I also do not like having a room that has been smoked in. I didn't like it as a smoker either. Smoking, if done politely, does not bother me. I do find it much more pleasant to sit at a bar/club and have a couple drinks without having to de-stink myself when I get home though -- and again, I felt that way when I was a smoker.

Perhaps a solution might be to build a separate building at each resort to be designated as a smoking building.


Actually, I WAS a smoker...quit in 1998, so I do know how hard it is to quit smoking.

It seems silly to me to cancel the vacation because to do so places smoking as a priority for the entire family..."Well...Dad can't smoke in the room or on the balcony, so I guess we just won't go at all"...that is so unfair to the rest of the family. It is silly to expect the whole family to miss out on a fantastic vacation simply because the smoker isn't willing to abide by the new rules and walk to a designated smoking area. I understand the need to smoke...I have been there...but I sure would never have asked my loved ones to miss out on their vacation because of a new rule like this.

The only way to ensure a safe and pleasant room for all guests is to ban smoking in all rooms. Second hand smoke and even residual smoke can be very dangerous, and no one should be forced to put up with it, esp. for the rates that Disney charges for most of its rooms.

[BlondeAlligator]

I agree completely. It's funny how people act when some new restriction doesn't affect them. What if Disney decided to have "designated cell phone areas" or something like along those lines that WOULD affect the majority? Hmmmmmmmm...that might get more people thinking about this from both sides. :confused3

My neice won't have an asthma attack from simply walking into a room where someone talked on a cell phone...there is a big difference here. I may not smoke anymore, but other people's smoke, even residual, can and does affect the health of people I love, so it matters to me.

I quit not only for myself, but for the people I care about.

[nobodies36]

It is silly to expect the whole family to miss out on a fantastic vacation simply because the smoker isn't willing to abide by the new rules and walk to a designated smoking area.

It isn't always about willingness. I saw this thread and my heart dropped. If it were not for other circumstances, we would be moving to off-site due to the change. I think in the same hand it is silly to expect a young woman to walk alone at 3am/4am to a smoking area to get a smoke because of a disability that cannot be contolled. That is the situation I am in. I've tried everything to give up (even medication that sent me so insane I was ready to drive my car into a wall). I take benzodiazepines to (attempt to) control my circadian sleep cycle (which actually no longer functions at all) and cannot help when I am asleep/awake. My mother is not happy that I would have to wander on my own at night to smoke even though (she is a smoker too) she likes to not smoke where she sleeps. If I could step out of the room and onto the outside hallway then I would only ever be a few steps from my room (for safety reasons), I would be so willing to do that, because I physically can do that on my own.

If I had to wait until light to get a smoke then it would mean I would ruin my holiday and my mother's holiday. I would need to get her up to take me out for a smoke if we are placed too far away from an area due to my physical restrictions. We would miss out on a fantastic holiday if we cancel or still go (dependent on room location etc).

I'm just saying that cancelling is not always about an unwillingness. I agree that the new measures suit the majority, but bear in mind that some people will fall through the gaps.

[Joann]

I am not a smoker but I think its stupid banning people from smoking outside, specially when you pay Disney a wack load of money to be there. Areas for smoking is fine I agree with that, they already have them in the parks so the hotels I guess should be the same. I disagree with whoever said drunks don't hurt you, as I have seen many in public places causeing fights with ppl they don't know, and also the jerks who drink and drive everyday and kill people. I would'nt cancel my trip ...but I would be abit annoyed:confused3

[LauraAnn630]

Dont be foolish drunks have ruined a lot of peoples lives and have ruined occasions for others.:scared1:

pyisically abusive drunks
loud foolish drunks
the oh were on vacation lets start drinking on the plane at 7am drunks
the drunk holding up the plane in the bathroom..peeing again!
throwing up drunks
staggering drunks bumping into you
verbably abusive drunks
over friendly drunks
I CAN drive drunks
releaving themselfs by the tree drunks
I CAN smoke here drunks
always right drunks
saying inappropriate things drunk
inappropriatly touching you drunks
I know everything drunks
I think Im sexy drunks
naked drunks (in pool, greeting you at the door)
I can do anything better than you drunks
then Ill prove I can do anything better than you drunks
I think Im funny drunks
insulting drunk
confused drunks
fighting drunks



At first I thought they were not going to have smoking areas at the resorts. Now, I see they are.:goodvibes

A lot of this country was built by smokers taxes. The cig manufactures were fined and made to put out anti smoking commercials. They should of been made to open up quitting facilities! Smoke rehabs.

Most people agree quitting smoking is the hardest thing they have ever done.
Some expert believe its as hard as quitting CRACK COCAINE!

[Unregistered]

I don't want to argue points with anyone but when I seen this I felt the needed to add my 2 cents worth. I am a smoker, started back in 82 before anyone really knew how bad it was for you. I have tried to stop more times then I care to count. I hate it, the way I feel in the morning, the way my clothes smell, the cost. I have gone months, weeks, even days with out one and then Bam stress hits and I am back. I know how bad it is and I want to stop but for those of you who have never smoked I can't tell you how truly hard it is to stop. I too have also watched family memebers stuffer and die.
That said, I understand completely not wanting to be around it if you are not a smoker, However, I am paying a ton of money for My vacation and I feel the minute I made my reservation the CM should have informed me of this new rule.
As someone else stated I have no issue with a special area but if that area is completely away from everything else we smokers become a target for something worse then second hand smoke harming us.
I am paying for my vacation and if smoking makes my vaction more relaxing then I should be allowed to do so. I would never canceal my trip now as the kids are so excited but if I would have known this before deciding where to vacation, Disney wouldn't have been an option. I am just very disappointed and when I need a cigerette and can't have one I tend to get alittle nasty. So much for the happiest place on earth, I love Disney but this is just so unfair to people who do smoke.

[Dizneydaz]

Wow, I was surprised when I read this on allearsnet.com earlier today and I have to say I am torn about it. I am not, and have never been, a smoker. I decided when I was young never to smoke. Both my parents were smokers when I was younger, before anyone cared about people smoking around kids. My 3 siblings and I said we would never smoke. I'm the only one who doesn't, and never has. My DM quit years ago, and my dad died of congestive heart failure about 10 yrs. ago, after having 2 bypass surgeries and a pace maker.

My concern is that just yesterday, I convinced my younger, smoking, DSis, to go with us on this trip. She and I already have an issue with her smoking (she's not allowed to smoke within breathing distance of my DD7) and it adds stress to our relationship. When we travel together, she's okay with getting a non-smoking room, she goes outside (away from the room) to smoke. She doesn't smoke in the car. However, some of the stress comes in when we (the rest of the family) stand around, at a safe distance, while she smokes. This is usually just before she gets into the car and then, when she does get in, she reeks (I point this out to her-"You stink!". Sorry-she says). Or it's while we're walking around someplace, like Disney, and she has to find a smoking spot, which isn't always in a convenient area.

Now I'm wondering about the designated smoking areas at POP. I don't want to be located right next to one and neither do I want to make my DSis walk a far distance (I haven't even thought about the safety issue!) to catch a smoke. I guess she could go to the car and smoke in there, but that's not acceptable to me. I hate the smell of smoke and sometimes I have an allergic reaction to it-watery eyes, sneezing, etc. I don't want the car to reek of it. I'm not going to tell her about this yet as I know it'll cause alot of problems. She'll probably want to cancel her part of the trip. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how POP handles this after the deadline passes.

I really think people (adults) should be allowed to smoke in their own rooms, or on their own balconies. Maybe entire buildings could be designated smoking. I still wouldn't stay there since it would be hard to see for all the smoke in the air! :rotfl2:

This is just going to make our trip more stressful-I know it!

[Arielsfanmom]

I just got off the phone with CRO they said that they could not confirm this. I booked my room in January for my trip in October, requested a SMOKING room. I understand that there is no smoking at resturants I am fine with that. But as long as I am in my smoking room give me the pleasure of it. We are usually on the balcony of our smoking building. I do not want to have to walk half way around the resort to get to a smoking location while my 2 kids are asleep in a room by theirselves when I could go our on the balcony. And yes I only smoke in designated spots at the parks.

[sPaRkLeSpAz]

I don't smoke, and I personally think that it's a good thing. Atleast there will be some designated areas.

[Disneydreamer5]

I just got off the phone with CRO they said that they could not confirm this. I booked my room in January for my trip in October, requested a SMOKING room. I understand that there is no smoking at resturants I am fine with that. But as long as I am in my smoking room give me the pleasure of it. We are usually on the balcony of our smoking building. I do not want to have to walk half way around the resort to get to a smoking location while my 2 kids are asleep in a room by theirselves when I could go our on the balcony. And yes I only smoke in designated spots at the parks.

I am with you on that one. I also love to enjoy a smoke outside my room after a long day in the parks. I honestly didn't smoke all that much on our last trip due to the crowds and I would never smoke around other peoples children but back at the hotel that I am paying a small fortune for I think I should be aloud to enjoy myself without running the risk of something happening to my children while I am off trying to find a designated area to have a cig. This is out of hand. I would never think of cancealing as I am not that selfish but I mean really.:headache:
So now not only do I have to try to lose weight but I need to try and stop smoking too.:scared1:

[LilyWDW]

Good thing mom and I are going in May... she is not a heavy smoker but enjoys her morning cig and we have requested a smoking room for the convenience. She has no trouble finding the smoking designated areas (she has already asked for to figure out where a couple are so she is read).

The only thing I find not so cool about this is the amount of notice given. People have already booked rooms for later this year AND have requests for smoking rooms. I think these bookings should be honored as they are (maybe have one building of smoking) and then have a later start date so there is full notice.

[Capt'n Jack]

I think in the same hand it is silly to expect a young woman to walk alone at 3am/4am to a smoking area to get a smoke because of a disability that cannot be contolled. That is the situation I am in.

Smoking is not a disability it is a choice.

Chose to overcome it, all it takes is willpower. You control that.

[DiszyDean]

Smoking is not a disability it is a choice.

Chose to overcome it, all it takes is willpower. You control that.

It is not a disability but it is an addiction....and a strong one at that...quiting takes a lot more than just willpower for most people.

[JenLoy]

I just got off the phone with CRO they said that they could not confirm this. I booked my room in January for my trip in October, requested a SMOKING room. I understand that there is no smoking at resturants I am fine with that. But as long as I am in my smoking room give me the pleasure of it. We are usually on the balcony of our smoking building. I do not want to have to walk half way around the resort to get to a smoking location while my 2 kids are asleep in a room by theirselves when I could go our on the balcony. And yes I only smoke in designated spots at the parks.

I agree. I am a social smoker. A pack lasts me two months. Some of my favorite Dis vaca memories are sitting on the GF balcony at night, having a cig with my best friend after a long day at the parks. We had some of our best conversations in those instances.

[WebmasterKathy]

Interesting news.

Since some posters feel very strongly about this, this topic does tend to get heated. This is a good time to review our posting guidelines: DISboards Guidelines for Posting (http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm). Please note that arguments and personal attacks are not permitted here.

Additionally, this is not really on topic for the Welcome to the DIS forum. I'm going to close this thread, but feel free to discuss this topic on our Disney Resorts forum.

:)